Globe Thistle, Great Globe Thistle, Echinops bannaticus, Echinops ritro, Echinops sphaerocephalus
Adding outstanding contrast, interest, and color to the summer garden while being trouble-free and low maintenance, Echinops (Globe Thistle) makes an invaluable contribution to the landscape.
Echinops, commonly known as globe thistle, is a genus of about 120 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It gets its name from the Ancient Greek words ‘echinos’ meaning ‘hedgehog’ and ‘ops’ meaning ‘appearance’, in reference to its spiny, globe-shaped flower heads.
Habit and Size: Globe Thistle, is a clump-forming perennial that is prized for its unique globe-shaped flower heads. The plants can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm), depending on the species and growing conditions.
Flowers: The flower heads of Echinops are spherical and densely packed with tiny, tube-shaped flowers. They are often a striking blue or steel color, but can also be white or a lighter shade of blue. Each spherical bloom can reach a diameter of 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) and is held on tall, erect stems above the foliage.
Blooming Season: Globe Thistle blooms during the summer, typically from mid to late summer. The flower heads stay attractive for several weeks and provide winter interest if left on the plant.
Foliage: The leaves of Echinops are deeply lobed and spiny, with a somewhat thistle-like appearance. They are often gray-green in color, and some species have leaves that are white and woolly on the underside. The foliage adds textural interest to the garden even when the plants are not in bloom.
Hardiness: Echinops are very hardy plants, and most species are hardy to USDA zones 3-9. They’re best suited to full sun exposures, with well-drained soil. They’re drought-tolerant once established, making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping or dry gardens.
Uses: Globe thistles have been used as ornamental plants due to their unique spherical flowers and foliage. Their impressive height and striking blooms make them suitable for the back of a border or as a statement in wildflower or cottage-style gardens. They can also make attractive cut flowers or dried arrangements.
Pollinators: The thistle-like blooms are loved by pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.
Toxicity: The plants are not known to be toxic to humans or animals.
Deer and rabbit: The spiny leaves and flowers can be somewhat off-putting to deer and rabbits, adding to their appeal for many gardeners.
Invasiveness: Despite their vigorous growth habit, Echinops are not typically invasive in gardens. However, they do self-seed readily, so deadhead spent flowers if you wish to prevent self-seeding.
Globe Thistles (Echinops) are a wonderful addition to any garden for several reasons:
Unique Aesthetic: With their spherical, steel-blue flowers and spiny, green foliage, they add an unusual and visually striking aesthetic to any garden. They can provide a contrast to the more common flower shapes found in many garden plants.
Attract Pollinators: The vibrant blooms of the Echinops are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By growing these plants, you contribute to the health of these important insects and to the biodiversity in your garden.
Drought Tolerant: Globe Thistles are hardy and drought-resistant once established, making them an excellent choice for gardeners in regions with low rainfall or for those seeking low-maintenance plants.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Thanks to their spiny leaves and flowers, Echinops plants are typically left alone by deer and rabbits, making them an excellent choice for areas where these animals are common.
Cut or Dried Flowers: The thistle-like blooms make unique additions to cut flower arrangements, and they can also be dried for winter arrangements.
Versatility: They’re suitable for a variety of garden styles, including cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, xeriscapes, or as part of a mixed border.
Remember, they do self-seed readily, so deadhead spent flowers if you wish to prevent self-seeding. With these advantages, it’s easy to see why Echinops are an attractive choice for many gardeners.
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 11 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Echinops |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Incorporating Globe Thistle (Echinops) into your garden design can lend an element of architectural structure, unique texture, and a striking color palette that works in harmony with various styles of gardens. Here are some suggestions:
Cottage Gardens: Globe Thistles, with their spiky blooms, create an interesting contrast in a cottage garden full of soft, billowing plants. Consider pairing them with Phlox, Campanula, or Roses for a traditional, romantic feel.
Wildlife Gardens: As they are an attractive source of nectar for pollinators, consider grouping Globe Thistles with other bee-friendly plants like Lavender, Echinacea, or Salvia in a wildlife garden.
Mediterranean Gardens: Their drought tolerance makes them a great choice for a Mediterranean-style garden. Pair them with other drought-tolerant plants like Rosemary, Lavender, or Olive trees.
Borders and Beds: Their height and structural form make them excellent as a backdrop in borders and beds. Place them at the back, paired with shorter plants at the front for a tiered effect.
Cutting Garden: Given that the blooms make unique additions to bouquets and can also be dried, include Echinops in a cutting garden alongside other cut-friendly flowers like Dahlias and Zinnias.
Gravel or Rock Gardens: Their drought tolerance and love for well-drained soil make them a good choice for gravel or rock gardens.
Echinops, or Globe Thistle, pairs well with a variety of plants, its bold, architectural forms providing a nice contrast to softer, less structured plants. Here are a few plants that make good companions for Echinops:
Ornamental Grasses: Grasses like Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) or Miscanthus sinensis offer a soft contrast to the spiky blooms of Echinops and can help to create a dynamic texture in the garden.
Perennials with Contrasting Foliage or Flowers: Echinops pairs well with plants that offer a contrast in color or form. This could include Echinacea (Coneflower), Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan), or Achillea (Yarrow).
Plants with Similar Growing Conditions: Echinops likes well-drained soil and full sun, so any plant that enjoys these same conditions would be a good companion. This could include Lavender, Salvia, or Phlomis (Jerusalem Sage).
Plants for Pollinators: Since Echinops is known to attract bees and butterflies, it pairs well with other pollinator-friendly plants such as Nepeta (Catmint), Monarda (Bee Balm), or Verbena.
Drought-tolerant Plants: For gardens in drier areas, consider pairing Echinops with other drought-tolerant plants, such as Sedum (Stonecrop), Perovskia (Russian Sage), or Artemisia.
Bold, Architectural Plants: If you’re aiming for a dramatic effect, consider pairing Echinops with other architectural plants, such as Alliums, Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), or Cardoons.
Remember, the key to successful companion planting is considering the needs of each plant in terms of soil, light, and water, and then finding plants that have similar needs.
Growing Echinops, or Globe Thistle, is relatively straightforward and they can be a wonderful addition to any garden due to their unique globe-shaped flowers. Here are some steps to grow them:
Location: Choose a spot in full sun. While Echinops can tolerate partial shade, they thrive and bloom best in full sun. The plants need well-draining soil and are quite tolerant, growing well in poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
Planting: You can start Echinops from seeds, divisions, or nursery plants. If planting from seeds, sow them directly into the ground in the spring, or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. For divisions or nursery plants, plant in the spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill and gently firm the soil around the plant.
Watering: Water newly planted Echinops thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist until the plants are well established. While moisture is required during their growing season, Globe Thistle is drought tolerant thereafter.
Care: Echinops are relatively low maintenance. They do not require regular fertilizing, but you can add a layer of compost around the plants in the spring if desired. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to prevent self-seeding if that is a concern. In the late fall or early spring, cut back the dead stems to ground level.
5. Pest control: Echinops are generally pest-resistant. However, keep an eye out for aphids and treat as necessary using a mild insecticidal soap or other appropriate treatment.
6. Propagation: Echinops can be divided in the spring or fall. This can also help to rejuvenate older plants that are becoming less vigorous.
Remember, like all plants, Echinops have their own unique needs. Understanding these needs will help you provide the best care for your plants and ensure they remain healthy and vibrant.
123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 11 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Echinops |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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